Cold brew
Cold Brew Ratio Chart and Gear Guide
Use 1:4 for cold brew concentrate and 1:8 for ready-to-drink cold brew. Start coarse, steep 12 to 18 hours, and dilute concentrate after filtering.
Quick recommendation
Wide-mouth jar
Use this if you want to test cold brew without committing to a dedicated pitcher.
Reusable filter insert
Best upgrade if grounds and messy straining are the reason you stop making cold brew.
Cold brew pitcher
Worth it if you want one container for steeping, filtering, storing, and pouring.
| Water | Concentrate 1:4 | Ready-to-drink 1:8 | Light 1:10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 ml | 125 g coffee | 63 g coffee | 50 g coffee |
| 750 ml | 188 g coffee | 94 g coffee | 75 g coffee |
| 1,000 ml | 250 g coffee | 125 g coffee | 100 g coffee |
| 1,500 ml | 375 g coffee | 188 g coffee | 150 g coffee |
Concentrate or ready-to-drink?
Concentrate is better when you want to store a smaller batch, mix with milk, or pour over ice without watering everything down. Ready-to-drink is easier if you drink it black and want fewer steps in the morning.
Filtering tips
Do not squeeze the grounds aggressively. It pushes fine sediment into the batch and can make cold brew taste dusty. A paper filter after the first strain gives a cleaner jar.
What to spend
| Budget | Best fit | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Under $15 | Jar setup | Low cost, flexible, but filtering can be slower and messier. |
| $15 to $35 | Reusable filter or simple pitcher | Cleaner workflow and easier weekly batches. |
| $35 to $70 | Better pitcher or larger batch kit | Nicer pouring, better seals, more fridge-friendly shapes. |
| $70+ | High-capacity or design-focused systems | Usually convenience, not better extraction. |
What to avoid
- Tiny openings that make grounds hard to remove.
- Fine mesh that clogs immediately with muddy grinder output.
- Pitchers too tall for your fridge shelf.
- Complicated parts if you only make cold brew once in a while.
Use a wide-mouth jar, a clean filter, and a coarse grind. Upgrade only if filtering is the annoying part.
FAQ
What is the best cold brew ratio?
Use 1:8 for ready-to-drink cold brew and 1:4 for concentrate. Concentrate should usually be diluted after filtering.
How long should cold brew steep?
Most cold brew tastes best after 12 to 18 hours. Shorter steeps can taste thin, while very long steeps can taste flat or heavy.
Should cold brew use coarse or fine coffee?
Use a coarse grind. Fine grinds create sediment and can make the batch taste muddy after filtering.